Will Your House Get a Passing Grade? What Home Inspectors Are Looking For

Home inspections provide real-time assessments of a house’s most critical structural and mechanical aspects, so homeowners or prospective buyers can make informed decisions. Here in Volusia County, routine home inspections are a homeowner’s insurance requirement, and the results often dictate whether a house is insurable and what the policy price point will be.

Whether or not your house gets a “passing grade” depends on what the inspector finds during the inspection. Any red flag items are duly noted on a detailed home inspection report, which clients pass on to their preferred contractors to begin updates, repairs, and replacements.

Most Important Parts of a Home Inspection

There are different types of home inspections, ranging from item-specific inspections (like wind mitigation) to comprehensive whole-home inspections. Home inspectors tailor what they’re looking for based on the type of inspection you select:

A complete home inspection provides a general overview of the above, while a 4-point inspection, required by insurance companies, takes a closer look at some of the home’s most significant systems.

Let’s review what a home inspector is looking for as he makes his way through the house during a full home or 4-point inspection.

Grading & Drainage

The ability of your lot to drain water as per building codes begins with expert lot grading and drainage. If your lot isn’t sloped correctly, the soil doesn’t drain as it should, a failure in any of the elements of your home’s drainage system can lead to significant structural damage.

Foundation

Cracked, uneven, or incorrectly sloped foundations pose a lifetime of problems for a home. We’ll walk the perimeter of the house to make sure the foundation looks sound and that there is sufficient clearance between the foundation and siding.

Siding

Siding is like the skin of your home, and any damage, cracks, or warps mean water can infiltrate the exterior walls or gaps between the siding and foundation, doing unseen damage to structural components.

Evidence of wood-destroying organisms

We’ll look for the most common signs of WDOs (shed termite wings, feces/droppings, piles of “powdered wood,” soft, spongy wood) and make a note of it. We may also recommend a specific WDO inspection to uncover the extent of the damage.

While termites are the most common type of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs), there are other wood-chewing or wood-boring pests that also wreak equal havoc. In addition to damaging siding, structural wood, trim, window/door frames, the accumulation of WDO waste products compromises indoor air quality.

Roof

The roofing system is a major player when it comes to both wind mitigation and storm/water protection. Roofs need to stand up to the Atlantic hurricane season is June through November. So, our inspectors pay plenty of attention to the roof in both 4 point inspections and standard Florida home inspections.

Inspectors evaluate the condition of:

  • Shingles/tiles/exterior roof features
  • Underlayment
  • Roof decking
  • Wind mitigation features
  • Nail penetrations evidenced in other materials or the attic (ringers) that lead to water infiltration.

HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical

We inspect the other “Big Three” systems during a 4-point inspection: the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Any excessive wear-and-tear, overdue repairs, breakdowns, or age-related corrosion of these systems affect whole-house function, efficiency, and comfort. And outdated electrical panels or wiring put home occupants at risk.

The home inspection report notes the status of each system, highlighting any issues that are of immediate concern and those that need attention in the near future.

General inspections & assessments

We also perform general inspections and assessments of other areas in the home, including:

  • The attic. This is where we’re most apt to notice red flag issues like sloppy roofing penetrations and problems with attic insulation, the HVAC and duct design, plumbing, or electrical installation. We also keep our eyes out for signs of water damage that may have gone unnoticed and signals further leak or water damage inspection.
  • Interior/exterior. We keep our expert eyes on the lookout for some of the overlooked issues that threaten your home or warrant further investigation during our walkabout the house’s exterior and interior perimeters. This includes signs of water leaks, mold/mildew damage, or landscaping features that threaten the home in a major storm event.
  • Window and doors. Inspectors will note any issues with window and door installation or framing, damaged windows and doors, or missing/corroded weatherstripping or seals that need replacing to enhance energy efficiency and whole-home comfort.

By the time we leave the property, homeowners, prospective buyers, or real estate agents have everything they need to see a clear path forward.

Trust Super Inspection Pros to Get the Job Done Right

A passing grade is important, but only if the home is truly in good shape. The professionals at Super Inspection Pros guarantee accurate building inspections and inspection reports, with a 24-hour turnaround time. Contact us to get started.

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